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Animal Kingdom Guide

Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Florida is the biggest animal-themed park in the world, with more than 1,700 animals of 250 species!

This awesome park was built to represent Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation, and is committed to animal care, education and research.

Set over 500 acres, Animal Kingdom is made up of 7 magical lands, complete with theme park rides, spectacular shows and more. All this is set within the lush landscapes of Africa and Asia, in which the animals roam freely in incredible recreations of their natural habitats.

Animal Kingdom Overview

Disney's Animal Kingdom is made up of 7 lands:

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Experience the magical world of Avatar in this 12-acre land inspired by James Cameron’s vision of Pandora. Explore the home of the Na’vi - find yourself surrounded by stunning scenery and floating mountains.

Soar through the skies over Pandora in the Flight of Passage simulator and soak in the sights on the peaceful Na’vi River Journey.

Oasis

Just inside the entrance to Animal Kingdom, The Oasis is a series of lush, leafy tropical garden pathways where you’ll encounter tiny deer, sloths, giant anteaters, iguanas, otters, macaws, tree kangaroos, wallabies and many other animals.

The Oasis is a transition from the stresses and strains of the "real world", to the world of Disney's Animal Kingdom. The shady trails, which lay within trickling streams and cooling waterfalls, eventually lead to the Safari Village – the central hub of the Animal Kingdom.

Discovery Island

Discovery Island, set in the heart of the Animal Kingdom, is home to the Discovery Island Trails, the magnificent 14-storey tall Tree of Life, the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” 3D audio-animatronic movie and lots more.

Africa

Africa is set in the fictional east African coastal village of Harambe. Surrounding a market place full of local wares, you’ll see coral stone whitewashed structures complete with thatched roofs constructed by African craftspeople.

In Africa you’ll see exotic animals like silverback gorillas, ride the Kilimanjaro Safari into the African Savannah and take the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – which you can explore at your own pace and meet okapi, meerkats, mole rats, gorillas and more. You can also board the Wildlife Express Train which will take you to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at this conservation station focused on animal well-being and care.

The three main areas of Rafiki’s Planet Watch are:

Habitat Habit – learn about the efforts made to protect cottontop tamarins in their native habitat.

Conservation Station – an animal nursery and veterinary care area.

Affection Section – a domestic animal petting area.

Asia

Cross over the bridge from Africa and arrive in the mythical kingdom of Anandapur, with its Maharajah’s palace, temples and an ancient village.

Andapur, which translates as ‘place of many delights’, is where you’ll find:

Expedition Everest - a high speed rollercoaster ride

Kali River Rapids - a white water raft ride

Maharajah Jungle Trek - where you can wander through the ancient ruins of India

Flights of Wonder – an unmissable show featuring exotic birds

DinoLand U.S.A.

Journey 65 million years back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth!

Animal Kingdom Rides

Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest

Asia

A thrilling, high-speed, high-altitude rollercoaster which takes older kids, teens and adults to the ‘roof of the world’ on Mount Everest. This ride has some fun surprises, includes great special effects and is known to be one of the best rides at Walt Disney World.

Ride Type:Thrill Ride

FASTPASS+ Available

Min Height: 44”/3ft8”/1.13m

DINOSAUR

DINOSAUR

DinoLand U.S.A.

Journey back in time on a perilous race to rescue an Iguanadon before the meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs strikes. Will you complete the mission and make your escape? Or will you, like the dinosaurs, become extinct?

Ride Type:Thrill Ride

FASTPASS+ Available

Min Height: 40”/3ft4”/1.02m

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids

Asia

Hold on tight as you’re taken for a rip-roaring river raft ride along the scenic Chakranadi River. This thrilling whitewater adventure features gurgling geysers, water jets and two dramatic splashdowns – so chances are you will get pretty wet!

Ride Type:Thrill Ride, Water Ride

FASTPASS+ Available

Min Height: 38”/3ft2”/97cm

Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage

Pandora

Take to the skies and enjoy the heart-racing flight on the back of a mountain banshee on this exhilarating 3D ride.

So, make sure you hold on tight!

Ride Type:Thrill Ride

FASTPASS+ Available

Min Height: 44”/3ft8”/1.13m

Kilimanjaro Safari

Kilimanjaro Safari

Africa

Really fancy a wild adventure? Take the wild adventure through the lush African savannah!

Ride an open-air vehicle on an expedition into the open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands of the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve. This spectacular sanctuary is dedicated to the protection of African animals – look out for rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, giraffes, hippopotamus, lions and lots more.

Ride Type:Family-friendly Experience

FASTPASS+ Available

Min Height: None!

Na'Vi River Journey

Na'Vi River Journey

Pandora

Uncover the true beauty of Pandora – float slowly along the river through caves crowned with glowing plants. See the Na’vi Shaman of Songs and learn the secrets of Pandora’s life force.

Ride Type:Family-friendly Ride

FASTPASS+ Available

Min Height: 44”/3ft8”/1.13m

Animal Experiences

The Oasis Exhibits Asia

Enter the stunning world of unspoilt nature - take a stroll through the Oasis tropical garden pathways near the entrance of Animal Kingdom and encounter exotic wildlife along the way.

Keep your eyes open for giant anteaters, exotic boars, barking deer and wallaby spoonbills. You could even snap a cheeky photo of the animals!

Affection Section Rafiki's Planet Watch

Make a new furry friend at the Animal Kingdom’s only petting zoo! Meet goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, pigs and more.

Conservation Station Rafiki's Planet Watch

Get an in-depth look at different animal habitats from across the world, and discover the expert care that’s given to the animals who live in Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom Shows and Attractions

Tree of Life Discovery Island

This beautifully sculpted 14-storey, 145ft tall, 50ft wide tree is the iconic centrepiece of the Animal Kingdom park. Can you spot the 325 animals that are carved into its bark?

The Tree of Life even has a theatre inside its root system where you can watch the 4D show ‘It’s Tough to be a Bug’!

It’s Tough to be a Bug! 3D Show Discovery Island

Delve into the roots of the Tree of Life and you’ll find a 430-seat auditorium which features the show “It's Tough to be a Bug”! This fun, entertaining 3D short movie gives a bug’s-eye view of the problems faced when living in a multi-legged society, with some 4D effects that will take you by surprise!

Finding Nemo DinoLand U.S.A.

Experience a heart-warming and hilarious show, featuring your favourite “Finding Nemo” characters. The 30-minute Broadway-style musical features special state-of-the-art sound and lighting effects, as well as incredible puppets – some of which are as big as cars!

Rivers of Light Multiple

Watch the rivers of animal Kingdom illuminate! Witness a stunning 15-minute night-time show, which celebrates nature with captivating special effects, music and animal folklore.

Tusker House Restaurant Africa

Early breakfast or family-style dinner buffet - at Tusker House you are welcome anytime!

African, American
Cuisine

Character Dining

$$-$$$

Tiffins Discovery Island

Stop here for a delightful fine dining experience, inspired by travel and adventure.

Try a chef’s take on cuisines from all around the globe!

African, Asian, Latin
Cuisine

Fine Dining

$$$

Animal Kingdom Facts

Animal Kingdom Opening Times

Opens: 9am
Closes: (depending on the time of year)

If you need to know times for a specific date, we recommend checking with the park just before you visit.

Parking Prices:

Car or Motorcycle

$20

Preferred Parking

$40

Other Vehicles

$22

Parking Tip 1

Once you’ve paid for parking at one Walt Disney World park, you can park at any of the other parks free for the rest of that day!

Staying at a Disney hotel?

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can park at the Animal Kingdom park for free. Just make sure you have a valid Key to the World Card or Resort Parking Permit.

Parking Tip 2

The car parks at Disney World are huge, so it’s a good idea to write down your row and lot number to make sure you don’t lose your car.

If you do forget where you’ve parked, let a car park tram driver know roughly when you arrived, and they should be able to direct you to the right area.

Directions to Animal Kingdom

Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

What can I bring into Animal Kingdom?

Guests are allowed to bring food items - such as snacks or food that does not require heating - into Disney theme parks. Just make sure that you inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the park.

What to wear at Animal Kingdom

For a day at the Disney Parks we recommend that you dress casually and comfortably.

Good walking shoes are a must, and you may want to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho in case of rain.

Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times inside the parks.

Clothing that is not permitted in the Disney World parks:

Adult costumes or clothing that could be viewed as representative of an actual Disney character

Masks

Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics

Excessively torn clothing

Revealing clothing that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment

Objectionable tattoos

Looking for Animal Kingdom Tickets?

Our Walt Disney World tickets include admission to all the Disney World parks, including Animal Kingdom!